Ishan Kishan was targeting a double century in the recent ODI between India and Afghanistan but jokingly blamed his captain Shubman Gill for costing him 70 runs. Kishan was dismissed after a fluent century –
125 off 79 balls – with 14 fours and seven sixes.
In a video shared by the BCCI, Kishan revealed that after he hit two consecutive sixes off the first two deliveries of the 37th over of India’s innings, bowled by Nangeyalia Kharoti, Gill tempted him to go for six sixes in the over.
Kishan was eventually caught out on the third delivery while attempting another big hit.
“Mujhe six sixes marwane main mere 70 runs kam kar diye (You cost me 70 runs for asking me to go for six sixes),” Ishan said.
Gill replied, “Tujhe marna hi tha waise bhi (You would have gone for it anyway).”
This was Kishan’s second ODI century, his previous one being a memorable double hundred against Bangladesh in 2022. He reached the milestone in 126 deliveries, the fewest any batter has taken to get there in ODI history.
The 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batter is featuring in his first ODI series in nearly three years, having last played against Australia during the 2023 World Cup.
“To be very honest, I was keeping it very simple and the plan was to be in a good partnership when Gill was batting in there. He wanted me to just keep on batting because at the end of the day, the wicket was very good for the batters, and we knew we can take on the bowlers at any point we want to. So plan was to keep it simple and play the shots when needed,” Kishan explained.
Gill also scored a century – 154 off 110 balls – as India posted 402 all out in 49.5 overs.
Gill Hits Back
Later, Gill questioned Kishan on why he did not give him the strike for nearly five to six overs.
“No that was not in the plan. I just wanted to make sure when spinners are bowling, I am taking them on…” Kishan responded before Gill cut him off with: “I will hit five consecutive balls and take a single on the last (to keep strike).”
Ishan admitted that he did that for “2-3 overs”.
The third and final ODI of the series will be played in Chennai on Saturday.
